What Are The Top 5 OSHA Violations?
Employers in the US are required to conform to the safety standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Data shows that complying with these standards can reduce workplace hazards to a great extent and ensure the safety and well-being of workers.
The unfortunate truth is that many employers in New York tend to violate OSHA regulations frequently, resulting in many workers getting injured and killed in accidents that could have been avoided entirely. Below are the top five OSHA violations that may result in serious injuries to workers in New York.
Fall Protection Violations
Falls from heights are by far the leading cause of workplace injuries and fatalities – particularly in the construction industry. Common fall protection violations include failing to provide fall prevention equipment like harnesses, safety nets, personal fall arrest systems, guardrails, handrails, and movable platforms.
Respiratory Protection Violations
OSHA’s respiratory protection standards are meant to protect workers from dust, dirt, harmful airborne materials, and toxic gases, fumes, and sprays. Common respiratory protection violations include not having a proper respiratory protection program in place, failing to train workers to handle harmful materials carefully, and failing to provide respiration protection equipment to workers.
Ladder Standard Violations
OSHA has set specific standards for the shape, design, rung space, and load capacity of ladders that can be used in workplaces. If any ladder used in the workplace does not meet these standards, it can be considered a violation on the employer’s part. Improper use of ladders – such as allowing workers to carry heavy loads while standing on the top level of a ladder – can also be considered a violation of OSHA regulations.
Hazard Communication Violations
OSHA’s hazard communication standard requires employers to inform their workers about the hazardous materials that they might be exposed to at the workplace, provide safety data sheets about the hazardous materials that are produced and used at the workplace, use labels as and when required, and train workers to handle the materials carefully. Failing to take these steps can be considered a violation on the employer’s part.
Scaffold Standard Violations
If a worker falls off a scaffold or if a scaffold collapses, the consequences can be catastrophic. OSHA requires scaffolds to have guardrails, midrails, cross bracing, and leveled footings in order to ensure the safety of workers. If a scaffold used in construction – or for any other purpose – does not meet these standards, it can be considered a violation. Failing to have a fall arrest system in place for those who work on scaffolds and allowing untrained employees to work on scaffolds are also considered violations of OSHA regulations.
Get the Most Trusted and Competent NYC OSHA Violation Lawyers on Your Side
At the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, we have highly skilled trial lawyers who have an in-depth understanding of federal and state laws that protect the rights of workers. If you have been injured as a result of an OSHA violation or New York labor law violation by your employer or any other party, you might be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits as well as compensatory damages.
Our highly rated workers' compensation and construction accident lawyers can identify all the parties that can be held responsible for your injury and fight aggressively to recover the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to under the law. We bring unmatched legal knowledge, substantial resources, and over 100 years of combined experience to the table and can get results that few others can.
To get the justice and compensation you are entitled to, call us today at 212-962-1020 or fill out our online contact form and schedule a free consultation with one of our award-winning New York personal injury lawyers.